A terroir experience
Franconia is the only wine region in Germany with its own signature grape variety, the Silvaner. Set off on foot from Maidbronn and you're in the first vineyards within 15 minutes.
We've walked the following tours several times over the past two years: with friends, family, guests. Each has its own character and passes a winemaker worth stopping at.
The starting point is Marienberg Fortress. The Stein is the largest connected steep-slope vineyard in Germany: no wonder Goethe wrote, "It is the best wine, and it sets my spirits right for life." Once at the top, the path leads through the vines to the Weingut am Stein winery. Return via the Main.
15 minutes by car from Maidbronn. The tour runs through the Scharlachberg and Johannisberg vineyard sites. At Weingut Bickel-Stumpf you can taste on the spot, with a small platform overlooking the Main. Our tip: go in the early afternoon, so the tasting doesn't run into the late evening.
The most compact route for half a day. With the Pfülben, Randersacker has one of Franconia's best-known collective vineyard sites. After the walk, stop in the village at Schmitts Kinder or Gebrüder Popp, both produce world-class Silvaner.
„Nach der Wanderung saßen wir abends mit einem Silvaner auf der Terrasse des Ferienhauses. Nichts, was diesen Urlaub besser gemacht hätte."
Translated from German“After the walk, we sat on the terrace of the holiday home that evening with a glass of Silvaner. Nothing could have made that holiday better.”
The vines are budding, the colours are soft, and the winemakers still have time. Tastings can almost always be arranged spontaneously.
Hot in the steep vineyards, so start early or wait for the evening sun. In return: wine festivals in almost every village, including the Würzburger Weindorf and the Hoffest am Stein.
Our personal favourite time. The harvest is in full swing, the landscape glows yellow and red, and the young wines appear on the menu. Be sure to plan in a Federweisser tasting (a young, still-fermenting wine, sold only for a few weeks each autumn).
We're happy to share tips on lovely routes and wineries currently open once you're here.